The United States has announced that it would no longer issue visas to foreigners who want to give birth in the country. According to a statement released by the office of the press secretary, the rule will be effective immediately.
The White House press secretary, Ms Stephanie Grisham, said the rule change is necessary to enhance public safety and the integrity of the United States immigration system.
The statement read: “Beginning January 2020, the State Department will no longer issue temporary visitor (B-1/B-2) visas to aliens seeking to enter the United States for “birth tourism” – the practice of travelling to the United States to secure automatic and permanent American citizenship for their children by giving birth on American soil”.
Related: Donald Trump Reportedly Adding Seven Countries to the Travel Ban List
“The birth tourism industry threatens to overburden valuable hospital resources. Also, it is rifled with criminal activity, as reflected in federal prosecutions. Closing this glaring immigration loophole will enable combat these endemic abuses. It will also protect the United States from the national security risks created by this practice”.
“Furthermore, ending birth tourism will defend American taxpayers from having their hard-earned dollars siphoned away to finance the direct and downstream costs associated with birth tourism. The integrity of American citizenship must be protected.”
It should be recalled that there have been reports that President Donald Trump is planning to expand the countries on the list of the travel ban. There are reports that several African countries including Nigeria, Tanzania and Eritrea will make this list.
